Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Organize Your Mind
We often think of organizing as something we do with our closets, kitchens, and calendars. But what if I told you that one of the most valuable spaces you can organize isn’t a physical room at all—it’s your mind?
As both a clinical psychologist with mind-body training and a professional organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how outer clutter is deeply connected to inner clutter. The piles of paper, the overflowing inbox, the bursting drawers—they often mirror a busy, overwhelmed, or unfocused mind. And right now, more than ever, we are mentally cramming more than our minds can comfortably hold.
So if you’ve been feeling foggy, scattered, or just “off,” it might not just be your to-do list. It could be time to do some intentional mental organizing.
Here’s why now is the perfect time to organize your mind—and how to begin.
🌪️ 1. Mental Clutter Is Real—and It’s Sneaky
In today’s world, we consume more information in a day than our ancestors did in a lifetime. Between social media, podcasts, emails, texts, and the 24/7 news cycle, our minds rarely get a break. Even when our physical environment is tidy, we can still feel mentally chaotic.
Mental clutter can look like:
Replaying conversations
Worrying about things outside your control
Multitasking constantly
Never-ending decision fatigue
Difficulty focusing
Think of it like browser tabs left open in your brain. Each one may seem small, but together they slow everything down.
🔄 2. Your Mind and Environment Are in Constant Conversation
When your surroundings are chaotic, your mind often mirrors that. But it also works the other way—when your mind is cluttered, it’s harder to maintain a calm, organized space.
This is the beauty of a mind-body-environment loop. Clearing one can positively impact the others. So while organizing your closet might make you feel calmer, organizing your mind can give you the clarity and energy to keep your home and life in order.
🛠️ 3. Tips for Organizing Your Mind
Here are my favorite, clinically-informed tips for decluttering the mental space:
✍️ Externalize the Internal
Don’t hold everything in your head. Use journals, notes apps, or planners to download your thoughts. This simple act can reduce mental load and give your brain a sense of “offloading.”
🧘 Create Mental White Space
Just as your home needs open space to feel restful, your brain needs unscheduled time. Practice doing nothing. Meditate, stare out the window, or float in a pool without an agenda to “do more.”
📥 Clear Your “Mental Inbox”
Once a week, take time to process what’s floating around in your mind. Ask yourself:
What am I avoiding?
What am I ruminating on?
What needs action, and what needs to be let go?
🔁 Practice One-Thing-at-a-Time Thinking
Multitasking may feel productive, but it fragments attention and increases stress. Train your brain to focus on one thing at a time, even if it means breaking down more time-consuming tasks into bite-sized pieces—this strengthens your cognitive clarity and emotional calm.
🧠 Declutter Your Self-Talk
Be mindful of the messages you’re telling yourself. Negative or perfectionistic thoughts add to mental clutter. We can’t necessarily control the thoughts that automatically pop into our heads, but we do get a say in what to do next! Try shifting your actions to be aligned with encouragement, spaciousness, and compassion, and then observe how your inner dialogue follows.
🌿 4. A Tidier Mind Makes Space for What Matters
Just like organizing your home, organizing your mind isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about creating function, flow, and freedom. When your mind is clearer, you’ll notice:
Better sleep
Greater focus
More intentional choices
A stronger sense of calm and control
And yes, your physical space will often follow suit.
Ready to Begin?
Think of this as your seasonal mental reset. You don’t need to do it all at once. Start with 10 minutes a day to mindfully unpack your mind—you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
If you’re craving more support, check out Jackie’s signature online mini-course, Lighten Up! Simplify Your Space. Learn how to declutter your physical space and your mind, creating more room in your life for whatever it is you need. Whether it’s emotional baggage or physical possessions, this course will guide you in clearing the path to a more fulfilling life.
Let’s organize what’s weighing you down—inside and out. 🌟
Learn more or register here! https://justjackie.thrivecart.com/simplifyyourspace/
Dr. Jackie Kamradt, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Professional Organizer
Certified Yoga Instructor
